Rainwater Harvesting
for Potable Water in The Eastern Llanos of Venezuela

Dr. David
Holmes

Abstract

Rainwater collection and storage represent a superior alternative to tank truck
delivery for supplying the potable water needs of rural schools and health clinics
in the Eastern Llanos of Venezuela. The lack of adequate storage facilities and
handling methods has limited the use of rainwater in the past. With filtration,
a covered tank, a solar-powered submersible pump and simple treatment methods,
water quality can be guaranteed even after prolonged storage. The system is highly
reliable and requires very little maintenance which is extremely important in
the rural setting.

Potable water can be saved by substituting VIP latrines for flush toilets which
typically consume around 50% of the available supply and do not stand up well
under hard usage. This type of latrine virtually eliminates the problems of flies
and odors.